Kendall Graveman is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Seattle Mariners in the 2021 season. He gained attention during the 2021 World Series for becoming the final pitcher to record an at-bat, due to the adoption of the designated hitter rule by the National League.
Graveman’s future in baseball is currently up in the air, as he became a free agent on November 3, 2021. In this blog, we will explore Graveman’s career, his final season in MLB, and what could happen to him in free agency.
We will also examine factors that could influence his decision and make predictions about where he might sign.
Kendall Graveman’s Career
Early Life and Education
Kendall Graveman was born on December 21, 1990, in Alexander City, Alabama. He attended Benjamin Russell High School, where he played baseball and basketball. He then attended Mississippi State University, where he played college baseball for the Bulldogs.
Minor League Career
Graveman was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the eighth round of the 2013 MLB Draft. He spent two seasons in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut in 2014.
Graveman played for the Blue Jays’ minor league affiliates, including the Lansing Lugnuts, Dunedin Blue Jays, and New Hampshire Fisher Cats.
Major League Career
Graveman made his Major League debut on September 5, 2014, pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays. He played for the Blue Jays for one season before being traded to the Oakland Athletics in 2015.
Graveman spent four seasons with the Athletics, from 2015 to 2018, before being traded to the Seattle Mariners in 2019. In 2021, he had a breakout season with the Mariners, posting a 4-0 record with a 0.82 ERA and 10 saves. He also earned his first All-Star selection that year.
Graveman’s Final Season in Mlb
Performance and Achievements During 2021 Season
Graveman’s 2021 season with the Seattle Mariners was arguably his best in the MLB. He posted a 5-0 record with a 0.82 ERA and 10 saves in 32 appearances.
His ERA was the second-lowest in the American League, and he had a WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) of 0.70. Graveman also earned his first All-Star selection that year.
Graveman’s Role in the 2021 World Series
Graveman played a key role for the Seattle Mariners during their postseason run in 2021, especially in the World Series against the Atlanta Braves. He appeared in three games during the series, pitching a total of 2.1 innings without giving up a run.
Graveman’s solid performances helped keep the Mariners in the series, although they ultimately fell short and lost to the Braves in six games.
How Graveman Became the Final Pitcher to Record an at-bat
Graveman made history during Game 5 of the 2021 World Series when he became the final MLB pitcher to record an at-bat. This was due to the adoption of the designated hitter rule by the National League, which meant that pitchers in National League games did not have to hit.
As Graveman was pitching for the American League team, he was the last pitcher to hit in a game before the rule change took effect. Graveman ended up striking out, but his at-bat will forever be remembered as a historic moment in baseball.
Free Agency
In professional sports, free agency is the period of time when a player’s contract with a team has expired and they are free to sign with any other team. During this time, the player and their agent can negotiate with potential teams and sign a new contract with the team of their choice.
Graveman’s Status as a Free Agent
Kendall Graveman became a free agent on November 3, 2021, after his contract with the Seattle Mariners expired. As a free agent, he is free to negotiate with any MLB team and sign a new contract.
Possible Teams Interested in Signing Graveman
Graveman is a talented pitcher who had a strong 2021 season, so it is likely that many teams will be interested in signing him. Some possible contenders include the Mariners, who may try to re-sign him, as well as other teams looking for a reliable closer or setup pitcher.
Some teams that could be interested in Graveman include the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros, and San Francisco Giants, among others.
The team that ultimately signs Graveman will likely depend on a variety of factors, including their budget, team needs, and Graveman’s own preferences.
Speculation and Predictions
Graveman’s Prospects as a Free Agent
Graveman had a standout season in 2021, which could make him a highly sought-after free agent. His excellent performance as a closer or setup pitcher could make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their bullpen.
However, there may be some concerns over his injury history, as he has dealt with arm injuries in the past. This could impact the size or length of the contract he is offered.
Predictions for Which Team Graveman Might Sign With
It’s difficult to predict which team Graveman might sign with, as many factors could influence his decision. However, the Seattle Mariners may be interested in re-signing him, given his success with the team last season.
The New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Francisco Giants could also be potential landing spots, as they all have needs in their bullpen and the resources to sign a high-quality free agent like Graveman.
Factors That Could Influence Graveman’s Decision
Several factors could influence Graveman’s decision when choosing which team to sign with. One key factor could be the length and size of the contract offered. He may also be drawn to teams that are competitive and have a chance of making it to the playoffs.
Graveman could also consider the team’s overall culture and whether he feels he would fit in well with the organization. Additionally, family considerations and location could also play a role in his decision-making process.
Kendall Graveman’s 2021 Season Statistics
| Statistic | Number |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 42 |
| Saves | 10 |
| Wins | 4 |
| Losses | 1 |
| ERA | 3.02 |
| Innings Pitched | 44.2 |
| Strikeouts | 45 |
This table shows some of Kendall Graveman’s statistics from the 2021 season, where he appeared in 42 games, recorded 10 saves, won 4 games, lost 1, and had an ERA of 3.02.
He also pitched 44.2 innings and struck out 45 batters during the season. These statistics demonstrate his effectiveness as a reliever and his value to his team.
FAQs
Has Kendall Graveman won any awards during his career?
Graveman has not won any major awards during his career, but he was named the American League Player of the Week in September 2021 for his strong performances as a reliever.
What is Graveman’s pitching style?
Graveman is primarily a sinkerball pitcher, but he also throws a cutter, slider, and changeup. He relies on his sinker to induce ground balls and get outs.
What were Graveman’s statistics during the 2021 season?
During the 2021 season, Graveman appeared in 42 games, recorded 10 saves, and had a 4-1 record. He had an ERA of 3.02 and struck out 45 batters in 44.2 innings pitched.
How has Graveman’s injury history impacted his career?
Graveman has had a few arm injuries during his career, including Tommy John surgery in 2018. However, he has bounced back from these injuries and had a successful 2021 season. It is possible that his injury history could impact the size or length of the contract he is offered as a free agent.
How does Graveman’s performance compare to other pitchers in MLB?
Graveman is considered to be a strong reliever, but his performance does not necessarily place him in the top tier of pitchers in MLB. However, his reliability as a closer or setup pitcher could make him an attractive option for many teams looking to bolster their bullpen.
Conclusion
Kendall Graveman’s future in MLB is uncertain as he became a free agent after the 2021 season. Graveman had a successful season as a closer or setup pitcher, which could make him an attractive option for many teams looking to bolster their bullpen.
Some potential landing spots for Graveman include the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Francisco Giants, among others.
Ultimately, Graveman’s decision will depend on a variety of factors, including the size and length of the contract offered, the team’s competitiveness, organizational culture, and personal considerations.
It will be interesting to see which team Graveman ultimately signs with and how he performs in the next stage of his career.
